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Policies & Procedures Table of Contents

Student Rights and Conduct

Student Medical Amnesty Policy  - 3C18

Policy Statement
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of its students. The University recognizes that the potential for disciplinary action may discourage students from seeking immediate medical assistance for themselves or others during incidents involving alcohol or drug use. To prioritize student health and encourage responsible behavior, SIUE has adopted a Medical Amnesty Policy.

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to remove barriers to seeking emergency medical assistance in situations involving alcohol or drug-related emergencies. This policy ensures that students who act in good faith to obtain medical assistance for themselves or others will not face disciplinary action for violations of the University's Alcohol and Drug Policy related to the incident.

Scope of Policy
The Medical Amnesty Policy applies to:

  1. Students Seeking Assistance for Themselves: A student who seeks medical assistance for themselves during an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

  2. Students Seeking Assistance for Others: A student who seeks medical assistance for another individual during an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

  3. Students for Whom Assistance is Sought: A student for whom medical assistance is sought by another individual during an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

  4. Students Reporting Violent Crimes or Threats of Violence: Amnesty will also be granted to individuals who report violent crimes, including but not limited to sexual assault, physical assault, relationship violence, stalking, or hazing, when such reporting is made in good faith. These individuals will not face disciplinary action for personal alcohol or drug use related to the incident. See also Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedure - Sex Based Harassment- 2C9 & 3C8 (August 1, 2024).

  5. Organizations Hosting Events: Members of an organization hosting an event are expected to promptly call for assistance if they become aware of an emergency related to suspected alcohol or drug use. Organizational members who take appropriate action to seek assistance for an individual will be considered a “mitigating factor” when determining the outcome or sanction of any disciplinary action related to the organization. Failure to call or seek help will be considered an "aggravating circumstance" in any subsequent disciplinary action against the organization.

 Policy Provisions

  1. Medical Amnesty for Individuals: Students subject to medical amnesty will not face disciplinary action for violations of the SIUE Student Code of Conduct related to their personal use or possession at the time of the incident.

  2. Exclusions from Amnesty:
    • This policy does not grant students amnesty for disciplinary actions related to violations unrelated to alcohol or drug use.  (e.g., harassment, assault, property damage, distribution of controlled substances, or any criminal activity beyond personal use or possession).
    • Medical amnesty does not prevent law enforcement agencies from acting according to state or federal laws.
  3. Conditions for Amnesty: To qualify for amnesty:
    • During an emergency, the student must contact an appropriate emergency service (e.g., calling 911 or SIUE Police).
    • In a non-emergency situation, the student must contact an appropriate University official (e.g., Housing staff, Campus Rec staff) or University health services during business hours.
    • The student must remain with the individual in need of assistance until help arrives and cooperate with responders.
  4. Follow-Up Requirements: Students who receive amnesty under this policy may be required to:
    • Meet with a representative from the Dean of Students Office.
    • Complete an educational intervention, counseling session, or other supportive measures as deemed appropriate by the University.
  5. Case-by-Case Review: The University reserves the right to review each incident on a case-by-case basis. Other infractions of University policy (e.g., destruction of property, physical violence, non-compliance with emergency personnel) may still be adjudicated. This policy does not protect those who repeatedly or flagrantly violate the Student Code, nor does it provide blanket immunity for all potential violations of the Student Code, present or future. This policy is intended to encourage the responsible reporting of emergencies and does not condone or excuse continued or repeated violations of the University’s Alcohol and Drug Policy. Students who exhibit a pattern of substance misuse will be referred to appropriate resources for further assessment and intervention.

Record Keeping: The Dean of Students Office will maintain records of incidents involving medical amnesty. These records will not be treated as conduct violations but will be retained to assess trends, provide follow-up support, and ensure compliance with educational or counseling requirements.


Approved by Chancellor effective 3/31/25
This policy was issued on March 31, 2025.
Document Reference: 3C18
Origin: OC 3/31/25

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